From Valmasque to Lac des Mesches via Mont Bégo

If you are in a small group, leave one vehicle at Lac des Mesches and then climb above Castérino at the end of the road open to passenger vehicles (marker 394).

Yellow markings

(S) Take the track that climbs to the left towards Baisse de Valmasque. The slope is very gentle and you will quickly reach marker 393.

(1) Continue straight ahead towards Baisse de Valmasque, following the main track on the right bank of the torrent.

(2) At marker 374, continue straight ahead towards Baisse de Valmasque. The path begins to straighten out and make a few hairpin bends. On your left, you will see some beautiful waterfalls from a tributary of the Valmasque.
The slope becomes steeper with tight hairpin bends to pass a small steep section from where you have a beautiful view of the valley before arriving at marker 98.

(3) Turn left, still heading towards Baisse de Valmasque. After a few hairpin bends and a short climb, you will arrive just above Lac Vert at marker 97.

(4) Descend to the left, still following the same direction, then climb back up to another lake, Lac Noir.

(5) Walk along the left side of this lake and pass through a narrow valley to arrive below Lac du Basto. Climb up to the left of the dam and walk along the lake until you reach an intersection with a path leading off to the left towards Fontanalbe at marker 96.

(6) Continue straight ahead and you will come to another junction with the GR® 52 coming from Baisse du Basto, at marker 95.

Red-white markings

(7) Turn left and climb up to Baisse de Valmasque, which you will reach after a few hairpin bends. Once at the pass, you can enjoy a beautiful view of the valley you have just climbed and Lac du Basto. On the other side is the Vallée des Merveilles, which is much smaller and more austere.

No markings

(8) From the pass, climb up to the left on a steep, winding path. After this short steep section, you will cross a gentler area where you may encounter ibex. Then go around a small grassy plateau in a lunar landscape before reaching the edge of the summit ridge. A few ascents and descents on a narrow path may be daunting for those prone to vertigo, but you will quickly reach the ridge. Then climb up a small couloir on the eastern slope to reach the last section of the path leading to the summit from the west.

(9) Descend by following the summit ridge through the rocks, then follow the trail that crosses the distinctive rounded plateau south of the summit. The trail then plunges towards the Refuge des Merveilles via a long, slightly slippery descent with numerous switchbacks. Fortunately, the landscape with its many lakes is a pleasant distraction. Continue in this manner to the edge of Lac Long Supérieur.

(10) Continue straight ahead under the Lac Long Supérieur dam and cross the stream to reach the path near the refuge.

Yellow markings

(11) Descend to the left, following this track that passes between Lac Long Inférieur and Lac Saorgine. Continue in this direction until you reach marker 90.

(12) Continue straight ahead on the track for a more pleasant and less steep descent. Follow this track to marker 89a.

(13) Descend the path on the left towards La Minière. The path approaches the Vallon de la Minière, but stay on the right bank, passing markers 88b, 88 and 87.

(14) Descend on the left and above La Minière, continue straight ahead towards Les Mesches and after a few hairpin bends join the road just above the lake. Go up the road on the left to finally reach the car park (E).

This is a very long hike. Remember to set off early and check the weather forecast for this area, which is very changeable.

This one-way hike requires two vehicles, leaving one at Lac des Mesches.

Bring at least 2 litres of water per person.

With a bit of luck, you may encounter magnificent male ibex between Baisse de Valmasque and Mont Bégo.